Carpooling to the big house

The conventional wisdom is that public agencies are too busy protecting their turf to figure out innovative ways to work together. It’s the conventional wisdom because it’s often true.

But the sheriff’s offices in Stark, Summit and Portage counties are looking at carpooling on trips to deliver prisoners to the Lorain Correctional Institution.

All of the agencies are trying to make the most efficient use of their money and manpower. The benefits of carpooling would be the same for them as commuters enjoy — lower expenses for gas and vehicle maintenance. In addition, it would free deputies to do other work.

We think the public should appreciate the effort that is going into these collaborations. These law enforcement agencies deserve credit for taking the road less traveled.